Hollywood Community Newsletter

March 2013

Vol. 3, No. 3

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE

March 2013

March 9, 1963, marked the 50th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood Area Officer Ian Campbell. On March 9, 2013, a dedication ceremony for the Ian J. Campbell Memorial Highway was held at the Los Angeles Police Museum. The Hollywood Freeway at Gower Street was named in memory of Officer Campbell.The Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and the 1st Marine Division Band. debuted “Ian Campbell, LAPD,” a bagpipe tune played for the first time and written to commemorate Officer Campbell. Chief Charlie Beck, Hollywood Entertainment District officers, myself, and bestselling authors James Ellroy and Joseph Wambaugh were present at the event. Joseph Wambaugh’s book, “The Onion Field” chronicled the kidnapping of Officer Campbell and his partner, Officer Karl Hettinger, and the subsequent murder of Officer Campbell.We will never forget Officer Campbell and vow to always be mindful of the stark dangers our profession holds. On Sunday February 24, 2013, the 85th Academy Awards were held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Thanks to the efforts of numerous law enforcement entities and the continuing support of community members. Sunday, March 17th, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.On April 30th and May 28th, Hollywood Area will hold Community Police Advisory Board meetings from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. I enthusiastically encourage you to attend. This is the perfect venue to express and discuss community issues, concerns, and to take part in developing solutions.A quick glance of year to date crime statistics in Hollywood Area, reflect a decrease in violent crime of 27% and property crime of 31%. Hollywood Area will continue to concentrate our resources to preserve a safe environment.As always, be safe in your travels and have a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!BEATRICE M. GIRMALA, CaptainCommanding OfficerHollywood AreaHollywood Boulevard Footbeat, “Walking with the Stars”Senior Lead Officer Danny Pesqueira, (213) 793-0702Basic Car District Coordinator, Sergeant Davis (213) 485-4316Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Hollywood BID Website:The Hollywood Business Improvement District has launched a new website www.navigatehollywood.com It shows street closures, where to park, and how to get to a location in Hollywood. It is a valuable website; please let your friend and families know. Please check this website for dates and times of street closuresCrime Trends:I have been receiving numerous complaints regarding noise from the night clubs, from the loud music and the patrons leaving their venues. We have a Noise Enforcement Team called (NET) and I have been working very closely with them, however the process takes time, so please be patient with us. If you would like to contact them directly please call (213) 847-3398. You can also look up are noise enforcement guidelines on our website at www.lapdonline.org.Hollywood Vice has been very active with enforcing the conditional use permits for the bars and night clubs in Hollywood; they have been doing an outstanding job with the nightclubs. We are still having thefts in the night clubs and entertainment venues in Hollywood beware of where you leave your personnel property. Do not leave your property unattended. Always know where you leave your property. If you need to get up have a friend watch your property or take it with you. Also, please continue to be mindful to conceal items within your vehicles to lessen the chance that your vehicle may be burglarized. And as is always the case, be mindful of your surroundings, coming and going from your vehicles. Advance preparation towards keeping your properties secure and crime free (business and residential properties alike) during this busy time goes a long ways towards thwarting criminal activity. Remember if you have any concerns about the night clubs in the Hollywood area please call me or the Hollywood Vice Unit at (213) 972-2996. A special thank you to Hollywood Vice for all their hard work they have been doing in the Hollywood Entertainment District.Meetings:The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.Any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at (213) 793-0702 or you may e-mail me at 26906@lapd.lacity.org. Hollywood 6A15, "The Hills of Hollywood "Senior Lead Officer Maggie Dillard (213) 793-0710Basic Car District Coordinator Sergeant Davis (213) 485-4316Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime Trends:As most of you know property crimes such as car and house break-ins are the top crimes in the hills. Please make sure you use common sense when you leave your house or car. Make sure all of the doors are secure and any valuables are locked away and out of sight of prying eyes. Continue to protect yourself and your property, don’t be a victim. Lock your windows and doors prior to leaving your home and make sure you don't leave anything inside your vehicle that is of any value. If you see anyone that looks suspicious in your neighborhood call the dispatch number (877-ASK-LAPD) and report the incident. You, the community members are our number one source for reporting any suspicious activity. So keep your eyes and ears open and help to protect your neighborhood. Also, don’t forget that all the businesses on Hollywood Blvd, 1 block north and south belong to the foot beat Senior Lead Officer Danny Pesqueria. (213) 793-0702. (Includes all the clubs)Meetings:The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.If you have any questions or concerns regarding my area, please contact me on my cellular phone, (213) 793-0710. As always you can call the Hollywood Area Community Relations Office at (213) 485-4316, or you can e-mail me at 32080@lapd.lacity.org.Hollywood 6A31, “Hollywood Hills”Senior Lead Officer Ralph Sanchez, (213) 485-4316Basic Car District Coordinator, Sergeant Darrell Davis (213) 485-4316Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime Trends:We are seeing an increase in Burglary from Motor Vehicles surrounding neighborhoods boarding Runyan Canyon Park. The weekends are also overcrowded with visitors to the park. The local residents are experiencing traffic congestion, park rage, road rage, litter, etc…. We are working with Councilman Tom LaBonge to help with these issues. In the meantime, please contact me or CD-4 staff with any concerns relating to the park.The night before trash pick-up, we are experiencing recyclable collectors in more volume than ever before. Some are even fighting over locations. Unfortunately, on these days, property such as ladders, garden hoses and plants are being taken. Along with car break-ins’, most of the thefts seems to be happening in the early morning hours when the trash trucks are working. The noise from the trash trucks are a common sound we are used to, therefore you might not pay much attention to the sounds of movement on your property. Please be alert of all suspicious individuals and/or vehicles in your neighborhood. If you see any suspicious activity, please forward Officer Montgomery this information via e-mail at 36019@lapd.lacity.org.There are opportunist’s posing as salesman trying to gain access to your property. If you experience any unusual activity, don’t hesitate to call 1-877-ASK-LAPD or 911 if warranted. “Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicles.” Anything in plain sight can be tempting for a thief. “HIDE IT, LOCK IT, KEEP IT!!!!”If you are having a party, please be considerate of your neighbors. If you are confronted with loud parties, you can call 1-877-ASK-LAPD and then send me an e-mail at 30735@lapd.lacity.org. Include the address or location of where the loud party is; estimated number of guests and main complaint.Please watch over your neighborhood and keep up the good work!Meetings:The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.If you have any questions or concerns regarding my area, please contact me at, (213) 793-0704. As always you can call the Hollywood Area Community Relations Office at (213) 485-4316, or you can e-mail me at 30735@lapd.lacity.org.Hollywood 6A67, “Livin off the Boulevard”Senior Lead Officer Paula Davidson, (213) 793-0705Basic Car District Coordinator, Sergeant Darrell Davis (213) 485-4316Serving the Central area of Hollywood from Seward to Sunset Blvd to Van Ness to Santa Monica Boulevard.Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime Trends:Protect Yourself and Your Property. Don’t become a Victim. Below are a list of ideas that you can follow to protect your vehicle from being stolen and your home from being burglarized.1. Make sure your vehicle is locked and secured at all times.2. Never leave items in your vehicle, especially in plain view.3. Always lock your residence windows and doors prior to leaving.4. Be a good neighbor and observer. Report all suspicious activity with “Lost persons” or “trespassers,” no matter how insignificant it might seem. Be aware of suspicious vehicles, persons and phone calls.Please go to www.lapdepolicing.org to log onto our new website for crime statistics in your neighborhood. Instantly become aware of what crime trends are happening around you.We need residential property and business owners to take a leadership role and immediately paint out the graffiti on their property as soon as they can. This will let the individuals know that we are watching and will not tolerate continued graffiti in the area. We do have a group called the Hollywood Beautification Team (HBT) who assists with painting out graffiti in the Hollywood area. The number to call if you have an area that needs to be painted out is (323) 463-5180. HBT does a great job with the lists of locations for graffiti to be painted out. Free Bulky Item Pickup:I would like to let everyone know the number for big item pick-up for the City of Los Angeles is (311). This number is to alleviate the problem of furniture such as, couches, mattresses, refrigerators, etc. being left on the sidewalks and streets. You can call this number make the appointment to have the items picked up, you don’t have to be present and it can be for any address that you spot bulky items. I encourage all of you to give this number to your friends and neighbors.Report criminal activity as soon as possible. Call 911 for emergencies and call (877) ASK-LAPD for non- emergencies. Meetings:The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.For crime prevention tips and safety measures about protecting oneself please contact me on my cellular phone, (213) 793-0705. As always you can call the Hollywood Area Community Relations Office at (213) 485-4316, or you can e-mail me at 31105@lapd.lacity.org. Hollywood 6A45, “The Heart of Hollywood”Senior Lead Officer Irv Isabella (213)793-0703Basic Car District Coordinator, Sergeant Darrell Davis (213) 485-4316Hello to the residents of the 6A45 Basic Car Area.Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime Trends:Property crimes such as burglaries and thefts from motor vehicles are still a prevalent crime in our area. Do not leave valuables visible in your car when leaving it. Be sure to lock your vehicles. Consider making a quick stop before you reach your destination to transfer valuable items into your trunk.Know your neighborhood. Take some time to get to know your neighbors. For those of you with dogs, walking your dog is a great way to do this. It provides you the opportunity to meet your neighbors and see what vehicles are regularly parked in the area. It also allows you to see who comes into the neighborhood regularly, such as gardeners, utility workers, etc. As a resident of a neighborhood, you know best when something or someone is out of place. If you see someone behaving suspiciously, possibly “casing” the neighborhood for a future crime, call police. Take note of the person’s physical description, clothing, type of vehicle and license plate.Be aware of your surroundings. With all of the modern gadgets we have, it is very easy to be distracted. While I am on patrol, I regularly see people fixated on their phones, or listening to their MP3 players with their earphones on, oblivious to what is going on around them, or possibly walking up behind them. This also applies when you are in your vehicle, especially when you are stuck in traffic or at a light. A criminal can easily approach your car on foot, grab something you’ve placed on the passenger seat (phone, purse, laptop) and quickly flee while you’re still stuck in traffic.Be cautious of what you put on the internet and social networking sites. Consider if it is necessary for people to know when you are not at home for a short time or on vacation for longer. This just advertises that your home is unattended.Meetings:The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.Please know that these tips are not meant to scare you. I only provide them to help you decrease your chance of becoming a victim. For more crime prevention tips and safety measures about protecting yourself or for questions about upcoming meetings, please contact me on my mobile phone at (213)793-0703 or at the Community Relations Office at (213)485-4316 or by e-mail at 31823@lapd.lacity.org. Thank you and be safe. Officer Irv IsabellaHollywood Basic Car 6A49, “Be proud and get involved”Senior Lead Officer Armen Sevdalian, (213) 793-0712Basic Car District Coordinator, Sergeant Darrell Davis (213) 485-4316Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime Trends:The crime rate has decreased in all categories except for Burglary from Motor Vehicles. The problem locations are as follows:Harvard Boulevard/Kingsley Drive and Winona Boulevard and Normandie Avenue between Hollywood Boulevard and Franklin Avenue. Protect Yourself and Your Property. Don’t become a Victim. Below are a list of ideas that you can follow to protect your vehicle from being stolen and your home from being burglarized.1. Make sure your vehicle is locked and secured at all times.2. Never leave items in your vehicle, especially in plain view.3. Always lock your residence windows and doors prior to leaving.4. Be a good neighbor and observer. Report all suspicious activity with “Lost persons” or “trespassers,” no matter how insignificant it might seem. Be aware of suspicious vehicles, persons and phone calls.Please go to www.lapdepolicing.org to log onto our new website for crime statistics in your neighborhood. Instantly become aware of what crime trends are happening around you. Graffiti activity has increased in the area of Western Avenue between Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. We have increased patrols in that area and we are also seeking assistance from the community, should you witness graffiti activity please contact the Police. Report criminal activity as soon as possible, call 911 for emergencies and call (877) ASK-LAPD for non- emergencies. Your assistance is greatly appreciated in helping to reduce the Graffiti problem. We need residential property and business owners to take a leadership role and immediately paint out the graffiti on their property as soon as they can. This will let the individuals know that we are watching and will not tolerate continued graffiti in the area. We do have a group called the Hollywood Beautification Team (HBT) who assists with painting out graffiti in the Hollywood area. The number to call if you have an area that needs to be painted out is (323) 463-5180. HBT does a great job with the lists of locations for graffiti to be painted out. Free Bulky Item Pickup:I would like to let everyone know the number for big item pick-up for the City of Los Angeles is (311). This number is to alleviate the problem of furniture such as, couches, mattresses, refrigerators, etc. being left on the sidewalks and streets. You can call this number make the appointment to have the items picked up, you don’t have to be present and it can be for any address that you spot bulky items. I encourage all of you to give this number to your friends and neighbors. Meetings:The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.If you have any questions or concerns regarding my area, please contact me on my cellular phone, (213) 793-0712. As always you can call the Hollywood Area Community Relations Office at (213) 485-4316, or you can e-mail me at 25156@lapd.lacity.org.Hollywood Basic Car 6A65Senior Lead Officer John Washington, (213) 793-0632Basic Car District Coordinator, Sergeant Darrell Davis (213) 485-4316Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime Trends:Currently in my basic car area we are experiencing an increase in burglary from motor vehicle. The majority of these crimes are occurring between the hours of 2300 and 0400. They are occurring around the nightclubs and after hour establishments. Protect Yourself and Your Property. Don’t become a Victim. Below are a list of ideas that you can follow to protect your vehicle from being stolen and your home from being burglarized.1. Make sure your vehicle is locked and secured at all times.2. Never leave items in your vehicle, especially in plain view.3. Always lock your residence windows and doors prior to leaving.4. Be a good neighbor and observer. Report all suspicious activity with “Lost persons” or “trespassers,” no matter how insignificant it might seem. Be aware of suspicious vehicles, persons and phone calls.During this month there will be an Illegal Food Vending Task Force with the Los Angeles County Health Department. We will drive around Hollywood Division and investigate any illegal food vending on the street and sidewalk.Meetings:On March 14, 2013, I will be holding our monthly Santa Monica Boulevard Business Watch meeting here at the Hollywood Station located at 6501 Fountain Avenue. The meeting will begin at 12:00 p.m. and lunch will be served. The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.If you have any questions or concerns regarding my area, please contact me on my cellular phone, (213) 793-0632. As always you can call the Hollywood Area Community Relations Office at (213) 485-4316, or you can e-mail me at 24902@lapd.lacity.org.Hollywood Basic Car 6A77 Senior Lead Officer July Nony (213) 793-0706Basic Car Coordinator, Sergeant Darrell Davis, (213) 485-4316“Serving the section of Hollywood from Seward to Western between Santa Monica and Melrose and from Sunset to Santa Monica between Gower and Van Ness.”Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime Trends:Vehicle theft and burglaries, remember to secure your vehicle. If you do not have an alarm system, look into other anti-theft devices and refrain from leaving anything in plain view.Crime Prevention:Please go to www.lapdepolicing.org ASAP to log onto our new website for crime statistics in your neighborhood. Instantly become aware of what crime trends are happening around you. Report criminal activity as soon as possible. Call 911 for emergencies and call (877) ASK-LAPD for non-emergencies. For any calls concerning quality of life issues which includes street lighting, potholes, etc….Please call our new live operator at “311” or you can contact Public Works Department at (213) 978-0265.Graffiti Hotline: (800) 611-2489Graffiti causes area blight. If you see graffiti please report it. Simply call the graffiti hotline and leave a message as to the location and type of graffiti, or call “311.” You can also contact the Hollywood Beautification Team (HBT) at 323-463-5180.Meetings:The Hollywood Area Community Police Advisory Board (CPAB) meeting will not meet during March 2013. If you have any questions please contact myself or the Community Relations Office for further information.If you have any questions or concerns regarding my area, please contact me on my cellular phone (213) 793-0706. As always you can call the Hollywood Area Community Relations Office at (213) 485-4316, or you can e-mail me at: 32016@lapd.lacity.orgHollywood Basic Car 6A79Senior Lead Officer Brenda Ramirez (213) 793-0711Basic Car District Coordinator, Sergeant Darrell Davis, (213) 485-4316Upcoming Events:Sunday, March 17, 2013, the Los Angeles Marathon will navigate through numerous streets in Los Angeles, greatly affecting the flow of traffic. Additional information regarding street closures and times can be found in several media outlets.Crime:There are no specific crime trends reported for this period. Hollywood Division continues to conduct its enforcement efforts with the assistance of all its and available resources in the effort to combat crime along the Sunset/Western Corridor Streets and Santa Monica Corridor. Hollywood Officers have been directed to conduct extra patrol in these areas at all hours of the day.GTA’s and BFMV’s continue to be the problem in our area. Please remember to lock your car and do not leave any valuables including purses, wallets, loose change, cell phones, shopping bags, and gifts, in plain view. Avoid leaving spare keys and remote garage openers in your vehicle. Park your car in areas where there is a high concentration of pedestrian traffic. At night, park in well-lit areas. The illegal day-laborers loitering around the Home Depot continues to be a problem. I have received numerous complaints regarding gambling, drug use, drinking in public, indecent exposure, harassment of the girls walking to schools and littering. Please do not pick-up the day laborers that are not at the dedicated labor center on Fernwood and DeLongpre. There are security and liability concerns and this is to protect both the worker and the person hiring.Free Bulky Item Pickup:I would like to let everyone know the number for big item pick-up for the City of Los Angeles is (311). This number is to alleviate the problem of furniture such as, couches, mattresses, refrigerators, etc. being left on the sidewalks and streets. You can call this number make the appointment to have the items picked up, you don’t have to be present and it can be for any address that you spot bulky items. I encourage all of you to give this number to your friends and neighbors.Non-Police Related Services:Help reduce the call load on our emergency lines. Contact the 311 operator for all Non-Police Related Services. To report loud noise and disturbing the peace violations, please contact the Police Non-Emergency phone number at (877) 275-5273 for assistance.<